Yes, absolutely — in fact, concern over plan mismanagement by fiduciaries is what led to the enactment of ERISA in the first place. ERISA fiduciaries have strict duties to act in the best interest of plan participants. Failure to do so could expose them to substantial civil liability under ERISA.

• When such a situation occurs, the plan participants have a right to sue and recover damages for their losses.
• Typically, this is accomplished through a class action, as there are many others in the “class” of plaintiffs who are similarly affected by the fiduciary violation.
• For example, suppose that the administrator of your ERISA-covered retirement fund mismanages the funds through extremely risky investments. The losses are so substantial that the plan can no longer pay out the benefits to which you’re entitled. You would almost certainly have a claim against the fiduciary.